Gourt > Kids and Teens > School Time > Science > Living Things > Animals > Marine Life > Coral Reefs (1)
A coral reef is a type of biotic reef that develops in tropical waters by the growth of coralline algae, hermatypic corals, and other marine organisms. Coral reefs are typically massive biogenic formations of calcium carbonate (limestone) that are deposited within or around the bodies of the inhabitants of the reef as skeletal material. This material gradually accumulates as debris is knitted together by the continued growth of the attached forms living on the reef.
Coral Reef Biology
The building blocks of coral reefs are the skeletons of generations of reef-building algae, corals, and other organisms that are composed of calcium carbonate. For example, as a coral head grows, it lays down a skeletal structure encasing each new polyp. Waves, grazing fishes (such as parrotfish), sea urchins, sponges, and other forces and organisms break down the coral skeletons into fragments that settle into spaces in the reef structure. Many other organisms living in the reef community contribute their skeletal calcium carbonate in the same manner. Coralline algae are actually the main contributors to the structure, at least in those parts of the reef subjected to the greatest forces by waves (such as the reef front facing the open ocean). These algae contribute to reef-building by depositing limestone in sheets over the surface of the reef and thereby contributing to the structural integrity of the reef. Many coralline algae species form nodules, or develop on the surface of fragments, enlarging these. The crust-forming species protect coral reefs by withstanding and mitigating wave pressures that would destroy most corals. This crust often forms a protective ridge on the outer edge of a reef (reef crest or reef margin), particularly in the Pacific (Castro and Huber, 2000; Nybakken, 1997). More on [ Coral reef ]
Coral Reefs: Biology, Threats and Restoration - Nova Science Publishers. http://tinyurl.com/yz7cyfk
biology_book (New Biology Books) Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:55:17 -0000
Coral Reefs: Biology, Threats and Restoration - Nova Science Publishers. http://tinyurl.com/yz7cyfk
The Caribbean Sea provides a sanctuary to more than 29% of the world's coral reefs http://bit.ly/5twYoS
blaneperun (blane perun) Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:30:03 -0000
The Caribbean Sea provides a sanctuary to more than 29% of the world's coral reefs http://bit.ly/5twYoS
Humans to coral reefs: so long, and thanks for all the fish. http://bit.ly/8V4jfU
GauravLaroia (Gaurav Laroia) Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:17:31 -0000
Humans to coral reefs: so long, and thanks for all the fish. http://bit.ly/8V4jfU
Reefs> Sun Coral? http://bit.ly/7jXIbN
rssChngzNtheAir (David) Wed, 30 Dec 2009 06:56:25 -0000
Reefs> Sun Coral? http://bit.ly/7jXIbN
central marine fisheries research institute Coral reefs may be affected due to sea warming ;P
Annaew42 (Madison Bragg) Wed, 30 Dec 2009 05:45:12 -0000
central marine fisheries research institute Coral reefs may be affected due to sea warming ;P
Reefs> Coral Reef replanting, Belize News, San Pedro Sun http://bit.ly/8lKmu3
rssChngzNtheAir (David) Wed, 30 Dec 2009 04:56:10 -0000
Reefs> Coral Reef replanting, Belize News, San Pedro Sun http://bit.ly/8lKmu3
Aquarius - The World's Only Underwater Habitat - Features some basic facts on where Aquarius is located, lesson plans for teachers, and tutorials for students. Additional information is available for students who are interested in taking on careers jobs that deal with coral reefs.
Reef Education Network - Offers an interactive way to learn about coral reefs. Subjects of interest include the Great Barrier Reef and the many creatures that live in, on, and around them.
Meta Description: [ The Reef Education Network (REN) is a
fun and interactive way to learn about coral reefs like the Great Barrier Reef and the many creatures that live in, on and around them. ]
Reef HQ Aquarium - Take a tour of a virtual coral reef, and see what happens behind the scenes at this aquarium.
Reef Zone Tour - Take a virtual dive on a coral reef. Offers simple definitions and highlights the different zones that compose coral reefs.
Meta Description: [ Take a virtual dive on a coral reef. ]
reefED - Curriculum, activities, photographs, and a visual library about the coral reefs.
Meta Description: [ reef, coral, corals, animal, animals, marine, ocean, oceans, plants, great barrier reef, great barrier reef marine park, great barrier reef marine park authority, marine park, authority, great, barrier, marine, park, school, education, world heritage, world heritage area, Australia, Townsville, Q... ]
Zubi's Wetpage - A collection of essays or texts about species that live in coral reefs, including illustrations and underwater photos of marine animals.
Meta Description: [ starfish: Index to Zubi's homepage (coral reef, scubadiving, photos, travelog, links / Korallenriff, Tauchen, Unterwasserfotos, Links, Reiseberichte) ]
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